- of a protein is the three-dimensional folding that results from interactions between R groups.

- Several major interactions take place between R groups: hydrophobic interactions, Van der Waals interactions, ionic bonding, and formation of disulfide bridges.

hydrophobic interactions

- take place when amino acids with hydrophobic (nonpolar) R groups come together into the interior of a molecule to minimize contact with water.

Van der Waals interactions

- As the hydrophobic R groups pack together, Van der Waals interactions between atoms in R groups reinforce their interactions

- takes place between charged R groups because of the attraction between positive and negative charges

- strong covalent bonds that form between two cysteine molecules. Cysteine has a sulfhydril group that can form a disulfide bond when placed next to another sulfhydril group.

- may also participate in stabilizing the tertiary structure.

Two proteins composed of exactly the same numbers and types of amino acids, but very different sequences, may differ in

- tertiary structure, secondary structure, biological activity

What part do Van der Waals forces play in the tertiary structure of a protein?

- they are involved in attraction between nonpolar R groups in the protein interior

2.7.4 Tertiary Structure Flashcards by Irina Soloshenko

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2.7.4 Tertiary Structure Flashcards

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